Means for knitting terry loops



March 23, 1965 R. 1-. SWAIM ETAL MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 31, 1962 K37 zae 1a; .108

o o I INVENTORS R0 5 r 1.- .swA/M, BY cLYos R MYERS 6 CAR-SON 5.0M! s 4770 new:

March 1965 R. 1'. SWAIM ETAL 3,174,305

MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS Filed July 31, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY CAR-SON D. MYERS ATTORNEYS March 23, 1965 R. 'r. SWAIM ETAL MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 31, 1962 bsansnv a v M s mmmmz M mwym% m VSM T mr 4 r a Z awe OLA Re 2 March 23, 1965 Filed July 31, 1962 R'; T. SWAIM ETAL MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Iiy .11

INVENTORS ROBERT TS'Wd/M, CLYDE A. MYERS 6 BY CARSON a. MYERS March 23, 1965 R. T. SWAIM ETAL MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 31, 1962 I S m mm. a N w mafl a msm w WTMDZ? TEN. 5 MW C i w United States Patent Ofice 3,174,305 Patented Mar. 23, 1965 3,174,385 MEANS FOR KNlTTlNG TERRY LOOPS Robert T. Swain], Clyde R. Myers, and Carson l). Myers, Thomasvilie, N.C., assignors to Kramer Bros., Inc, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of New York Filed July 31, 1962, Ser. No. 214,178 24 Claims. (CI. 66-14) The present invention relates to the production of terry fabric on a double cylinder knitting machine that can be operated to knit articles having portions of plain, ribbed or link-and-link pattern fabric and selected portions of terry fabric with means for knitting terry loops that operate to provide enhanced quality and eficiency in terry knitting and permit a versatility in operation such that the terry yarn can be knit in either terry or non-terry loops by a simple shifting of elements at the knitting level, which is accomplished without disrupting the continuous knitting operation and without danger of damage to the moving knitting elements, and the terry knitting means providing accurate and positive control of the terry yarn feed such that the yarn can be selectively fed and withdrawn at precise locations in the fabric.

Briefly described, the means for knitting terry loops of the present invention are incorporated in a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders with a series of terry bits associated with the inner end of one cylinder for rotation therewith and shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops. The terry knitting means has bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of the bits, which bit projecting means are shiftable radially at the bit operating level between an inner inactive position at which bits remain retracted for knitting without drawing terry loops and an outer active position at which the bit projecting means cause projection of the bits. The shifting of the bit projecting means at the operating level of the bits effects a progressive radial displacement of the path followed by the bits so that a smooth transition takes place during continuous knitting without severe shocks and possible damage to the bits and other moving elements. This use of bit projecting means to control the projection of bits by changing the path of the bits provides an efiicient and simple manner of accomplishing the desired alternative knitting of terry and non-terry portions.

The shifting of the bit projecting means to change the path of the bits is controlled by shifting means that desirably extend from the bit projecting means at the bit operating level through the length of the associated cylinder for actuation at the outer end of the cylinder with the result that the bits are commonly controlled by actuation of means readily accessible outwardly of the cylinder.

The aforesaid projection of bits for drawing terry loops thereon is accompanied by a subsequent retraction of the bits to effect release of drawn terry loops. This retraction is accomplished by fixed bit retracting means spaced from the projecting means in the direction of cylinder rotation. To provide for reciprocal knitting, as in knitting heel and toe portions of hosiery, auxiliary bit retracting means are provided in the opposite direction from the bit projecting means so that terry loops can be drawn and released during knitting in both directions of reciprocal knitting. With this arrangement the bit projecting means, which may be in the form of a double faced cam for projection of bits in both directions of reciprocal knitting, remains in a fixed position without having to shift circularly with reversals of rotation during reciprocal knitting.

A significant feature of the means for knitting terry loops of the present invention is the provision of means for controlling the feed of terry yarn selectively for precise commencement of feeding particular locations in the fabric. These means for controlling yarn feed combine selectively movable feed means and a conventional cutting and holding mechanism with intermediate yarn retaining means positioned between the cutting means and the feeding position of the feeding means so that upon movement of the feeding means to feeding position the yarn retaining means will engage the length of yarn extending between the cutting means and feeding means and will retain the yarn out of knitting engagement with the needles and bits until the feeding means is properly positioned, thus avoiding knitting contact of the yarn with the needles and hits at a point prior to the desired commencement of feeding, which occurs when no yarn retaining means are provided due to the arcuate spacing of the cutting means from the feeding means and the proximity of both to the needles and bits.

In the preferred embodiment the yarn retaining means of the means for controlling yarn feed is incorporated in a portion of the usual latch guard, which latch guard is apertured to permit the yarn to feed therethrough. The aperture extends toward the cutting means, but at an inclination thereto, to an open end, with the adjacent portion of the latch guard having a tapered surface over which the yarn slides and is deflected out of needle and bit engagement-as the feeding means 'moves to feeding position. When the feeding means reaches the feeding position the contour of the latch guard surface permits the yarn toslide off the surface into the aperture and into knitting position. Thus precise control of the point of feeding is accomplished.

In addition to the above described manipulation of the terry bits to draw terry loops, the bits may be used to advantage as a substitute for a conventional verge, in which case the bits function as knock-off elements during knitting of non-terry loops with needles on the bit carrying cylinder. To accomplish this the bits are positioned in projected position to engage precedingly drawn loops and knock them off the needles as subsequent loops are being drawn.

Used either as terry forming or knock-off elements the bits may be incorporated in machines having a plurality of yarn feeding stations. To manipulate the bits in relation to each feeding station a plurality of bit projecting means may be provided. Desirably, each of these bit projecting means is'independently shiftable so that difierent knitting operations may be accomplished selectively at different stations.

An additional feature of the means for knitting terry loops of the present invention is the provision of a space between the circle of needles and the retracted position of the bits, which spacing from the needle circle is also incorporated in the structure of the dial that carries the bits. This spacing provides a recess to allow drawn terry loops to move out of interference with the drawing of subsequent loops. This is particularly important during reciprocal knitting of terry loops when there is little take-down pull on the fabric being built up by reciprocal knitting and the long terry loops tend to remain in the area of the needles when no recess is provided and where they are engaged by subsequent needle manipulations and either interfere with subsequent loop drawing or are themselves damaged by the needles or both.

Another feature of the means for knitting terry loops of the present invention is the construction of a ring for limiting the outward extent of movement of the bits by engagement with butts extending from the bits. This ring functions to cooperate with the bit projecting means to define the projected position of the bits and also prevents unintentional removal of bits from the machine. The ring is formed with a movable section that can be moved out of the plane of the bit butts to permit easy removal and replacement of individual bits without requiring disassembly of the other elements of the knitting machine. In the preferred embodiment this movable section is manipulated by an operating member actuated readily at the outer end of the cylinder.

Other and further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following'description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a double cylinder knitting machine having incorporated therein means for knitting terry loops in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and showing only those elements that are generally pertinent to an understanding of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the knitting machine of FIG. 1 taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, partially broken away, taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the terry loop forming elements of FIG. 3, showing the elements shifted into position for non-terry knitting;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the elements in position for knitting on the upper cylinder;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the cam ring and bit projecting cams of the means for knitting terry loops incorporated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing both bit projecting means in inactive position with all of the bits in retracted position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the main bit projecting means in its outer active position with the bits projected accordingly;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of an arcuate latch guard plate associated with the terry yarn feeding means of the knitting machine of FIG. 1; and

FIG; 11 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 10.

In the embodiment illustrated, the means 20 for knitting terry loops of the present invention is shown incorporated in a conventional double cylinder knitting machine 21 of the type commonly known as a Komet machine. For purposes of clarity various conventional elements of the knitting machine, which elements are not pertinent to the functioning of the present invention, have been omitted.

In this type of knitting machine 21 an upper needle cylinder 22 and a lower needle cylinder 23 are coaxially mounted for synchronous rotation with adjacent inner ends 24 and 25, respectively, arranged in closely spaced relation for manipulation of needles thereat to knit fabric. The needles are double ended, with a hook and latch at each end for manipulation in either cylinder and transferable by a conventional transfer 'mechanism from grooves in one cylinder to the grooves in the other cylinder. The long needle cylinders 22 and 23 are rotated in conjunction with a conventional link-and-link pattern means operable through sliders to manipulate the needles in a plain, a ribbed, or a link-and-link pattern to produce any desired pattern in the knit article.

The needle cylinders 22 and 23 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 past a main feeding station 26 at which yarn is fed to the needles with an upper latch guard 27 and a lower latch guard 28 controlling the needle latches in a conventional manner, and with the upper latch guard 27 being modified as will be described below. These upper and lower latch guards 27 and 28 are mounted on a cylindrical sleeve 29. that depends from a fixed intermediate plate 30 of the knitting machine 21.

A fixed top plate 31 is mounted on the knitting machine above the upper cylinder 22 for support of various elements including the mounting plate 32 that supports a stationary cylinder 33 and is adjustablevertically to vary the position of the elements at the inner end of the stationary cylinder 33 with respect to the inner end 24 of the upper cylinder 22 for varying the size of the terry loops drawn at the main feeding station 26.

The stationary cylinder 33 supports concentrically therein a rotatable shaft 34 that carries a bit dial 35 and associated elements at its inner end 36, and is keyed through the bit dial 35 to the inner end 24 of the upper cylinder 22 for rotation therewith both circularly and reciprocally. This shaft 34 is mounted for free rotation in the stationary cylinder 33 While being vertically fixed with respect thereto as by a conventional ball bearing mounting (not shown) at the mounting plate 32.

The stationary cylinder 33 and rotating shaft 34 carry the elements, including the bit dial 35, that cooperate with the elements at the main feeding station 26 to constitute the means for knitting terry loops 20 of the present invention. These elements cofunction with the conventional needles and sinkers to knit a fabric having selected terry portions and other portions of any desired pattern.

This relationship of the elements is illustrated in FIG. 3, which shows double hooked needles 38 manipulated in grooves 39 in the upper and lower needle cylinders 22 and 23, respectively.

For clarity the sliders and transfer mechanism that control needle manipulation and transfer of needles from one cylinder to the other are omitted, these elements being conventional and well known in the art.

In conventional double cylinder knitting the needles 38 are manipulated on the lower cylinder 23 to produce plain knit fabric by drawing yarn 40 from a body yarn feed finger 41 over sinkers 42 that are manipulated in a usual manner by a sinker cam ring 43.

This same needle and sinker manipulation will produce terry fabric when used with the present means for knitting terry loops, in which case a terry yarn 44 is drawn above the body yarn 40 and over terry bits 45 that project between needles at a level between the body yarn and the terry yarn so that when the needles are drawn downwardly the terry bits 45 will form long terry loops as compared with the body yarn loops drawn simultaneously on the sinkers 42. The bits 45 are subsequently retracted to release the terry loops prior to knitting of the next course.

In conventional double cylinder knitting the needles 38 are manipulated on the upper cylinder 23in combination with needles on the lower cylinder 22 to produce ribbed and link-and-link patterns with the upper cylinder needles drawing body yarn 40 in relation to a verge at the bottom of the upper cylinder, which verge knocks-off previously drawn loops from the needles.

In' the present invention no verge is necessary as the bits 45 in projected position will knock-off previously drawn loops in the same manner as a verge. Thus the bits of the present invention serve the dual function of terrying elements and verge elements.

These terry bits 45 are carried by the bit dial 35 for rotation therewith and are shiftable radially with respect thereto by positioning of the bits in radially extending slots 46 formed inwardly from the periphery of the bit dial 35, with a bottom plate 47 secured to the underside of the bit dial to form bottom closures for the slots for vertical retention of the bits. FIGS. 25, 8 and 9 illustratethis slotted dial construction.

The bit dial is formed with an inner collar 48 which is secured to the aforementioned shaft 34 to seat the dial concentrically with respect to the needle cylinders and to maintain the proper vertical positioning of the bit dial and bits 45, which vertical positioning is adjustable by adjustment of the aforementioned mounting plate 32 with respect to the fixed top plate 32, to which the upper end of the dial supporting shaft 34 is rotatably attached.

The bit dial 35 has an upstanding cylindrical wall 49 that seats in the upper cylinder 22 for alignment of the bit dial with respect to the cylinder while permitting relative vertical movement. The bit dial 35 is keyed to the upper cylinder for rotation therewith and to position the slots between needles for projection of bits between needles by a vertical key 5% secured to the cylindrical wall 49 of the bit dial 35 and extending into a keyway 51 recessed in the interior surface of the upper cylinder.

The bit dial 35 has an annular flange 52 extending outwardly from the cylindrical wall 49 below the upper needle cylinder 22. This flange 52 extends to the circle of needles 38 to form a support for the needles and protection for projected bits 45. Further, the flange 52 is at least as high as the operating butts 53 on the bits and the dial slots 46 extend through the flange 52, thus perrnitting removal and replacement of the bits 45.

This bit flange 52 is formed with an annular recess 54 at the bottom thereof inwardly of the circle of needles 3% and of a height greater than the yarn engaging tips 55 of the bits 45. The recess 54 is defined by an inner cylindrical surface 56 approximately aligned with the tips 55 of the bits when the bits are in retracted position, as seen in FIGA. Retraction of the bits 45 within this surface 56 effects withdrawal of the bits from drawn terry loops. Withdrawal is also assisted by a slight extension of the bottom plate 47 beyond the inner surface 56 of the recess 54.

The inward spacing of the inner surface 56 from the needle circle and the corresponding inward spacing of retracted bits from the needle circle provide an open recess 54 behind the needles for the receipt of drawn loops released by the bits in a manner that permits the loops to move out of interference with the drawing of subsequent loops. If there were no recess the loops would remain in the needle circle, being positioned there by a flush dial wall, and would be caught by the needles and bits during the subsequent manipulation thereof. This is especially significant during reciprocal knitting where there is little take-down pull on the fabric being built up by reciprocation.

The manipulation of the bits 45 in the dial slots 46 between projected and retracted positions is controlled by bit projecting means and bit retracting means carried at the bottom of the stationary cylinder 33 and operatingly engageable with the butts 53 of the bits, which butts project above the surface of the dial 35.

The bit projecting means includes main bit projecting means 57 located in alignment with the main feeding station 26 and having a bit projecting earn 58 shiftably mounted in a radial slot 59 in a cam dial 69 secured to an annular flange 61 at the bottom of the stationary cylinder 33. The cam dial 6%) rests on the collar 48 of the bit dial to provide relative positioning of the bit dial and cam dial elements, and the cam 58 is vertically positioned with respect to the cam dial as by a flange 63 extending under the dial and an enlarged nut s4 secured on top of the cam and extending across the slot 59. The flange as also serves to cover the slot 59 outwardly of the cam 58 to prevent bits 45 from accidentally entering the slot 59, which would obviously damage the bits.

The main bit projecting cam 53 has a leading cam surface 62 inclined outwardly in the direction of bit rotation at the operating level of the bit butts 53. This leading cam surface 62 is of suficient extent to extend beyond the innermost position of the bit butts 53 when the cam is in an outer position, thus insuring operating engagement of the bits by the cam.

The main bit projecting cam 53 is shiftable radially between an inner inactive position, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, at which the cam surface 62 is inward of the retracted position of the bits 45 so as not to engage the bits, and an outer bit projecting position, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 9, at which the butts 53 ride on the cam surface 52 to cause radial projection of the bits 45 to their projected position.

Shifting of the bit projecting cam 58 is controlled by a pivoted operating arm 65 extending through the stationary cylinder 33 with its inner end 66 extending into a recess 67 in the top of the bit projecting cam nut 64, and its outer end 68 extending out of the upper end of the stationary cylinder 33 for pivoted actuation of the operating arm 65 thereat.

The operating arm 65 is mounted intermediate its ends for pivoted movement in the radial plane of the slot 59 in which the cam 58 shifts, by a pivot pin 69 in a mounting disc 79 secured in the stationary cylinder. The operating arm 65 pivots in a slot 71 in the disc 70 with the pivot 69 being in the form of a screw that is screwed into the disc 76 on both sides of the slot 71 (see FIGS. 3 and 7).

The outer end 68 of the operating arm 65 is actuated by a control wire 72 carried in a tube and having one end 73 secured to the operating arm end 68 and its other end 74 connected to the pattern drum '76 for actuation thereby for selectively pulling the operating arm end 73 radially outward to pivot the operating arm 65 and shift the bit projecting cam 53 to its inner inactive position, and alternatively to push the operating arm end 73 radially inward to pivot the operating arm 65 and shift the bit projecting cam 58 to its outer bit projecting position. As seen in FIG. 3 the stationary cylinder 33 is apertured at 77 to accommodate movement of the inner end 65 of the operating arm 65 and associated elements of the bit projecting means 57.

By the above described bit projecting cam 58 and selective shifting thereof the bits 45 can be projected for terry knitting (FIG. 3) and for knocking-off loops from needles on the upper cylinder (FIG. 5), and can be selectively retracted for knitting terry yarn in non-terry loops with the body yarn (FIG. 4).

By the present invention the projection of bits 45 can be accomplished during circular knitting by the aforementioned leading cam surface 62, and during reciprocal knitting by this same leading cam surface 62 during reciprocation strokes in the direction of circular knitting and by a trailing cam surface 78, which is similar, but in reverse, to the leading cam surface during the reverse reciprocation strokes. These two cam surfaces 62 and 78, respectively, constitute a pair of outwardly converging surfaces on the bit projecting cam 58, which move together from inner inactive to outer bit projecting positions.

The shifting of the bit projecting cam 58 in the cam dial slot 59 maintains the cam surfaces 62 and 78 at the operating level of the bits 45 so that during this shifting the surfaces progressively change the bit path radially and continuously without damaging the bit butts 53.

The retraction of projected bits 45 to release drawn terry loops and to position the bits 45 in retracted position is performed by bit retracting means 79 in the form of an inwardly contoured cam surface 80 spaced circularly from the bit projecting cam 58 in the direction of IO- tation during circular knitting. This bit retracting cam surface 36 is formed on the inner surface of a fixed cam ring 81 that is secured to and depends from the cam dial tl into the plane of the bit butts 53. This cam ring 81 provides an outer limit to the path of the bits as well as carrying the retracting cam surface 89.

During reciprocal knitting, the aforementioned retracting cam surface 80 retracts projected bits during one direction of reciprocation, and an identical, but reversed, auxiliary bit retracting cam surface 82 in the fixed cam 7. ring 81 spaced in the opposite direction from the main bit projecting means 57 causes retraction of projected bits during the opposite direction of reciprocal knitting.

Because of these two bit retracting cam surfaces 80 and 82 and the double surfaced bit projecting cam 58 no adjustment or shiftingof the cam is necessary to accommodate reciprocal knitting, the bit retracting cam surfaces 80 and 82 being fixed and the bit projecting cam 58 being stationary with respect to circular movement, thus providing a simple and efficient control of the bits 45 for knitting at the main feeding station 26.

In addition to the main feeding station 26, the illustrated knitting machine has an auxiliary feeding station 83 at which. an auxiliary yarn 84 is selectively fed to the needles. This auxiliary yarn 84 is fed to the needles similar to the feeding of the body yarn at the main feeding station 26 to knit plain, ribbed, or linkand-link pattern fabric. Terry loops are not drawn with the auxiliary yarn 84, but the bits must be projected thereat during knitting with needles on the upper cylinder to knock-off the previously drawn loops in the manner of a verge.

To project the bits 45 at the auxiliary feeding station 83, which bits approach in retracted position, having just passed the main bit retracting means 79, auxiliary bit projecting means 85 are provided in the form of a cam 86 having a bit projecting cam surface 87.

This auxiliary bit projecting cam is normally in an outer active position for projecting bits during circular knitting. However, during reciprocal knitting at the main feeding station 26 it is preferable that this cam be in an inactive retracted position so that the bits will not project and interfere with terry loops that reciprocate past the auxiliary feeding station 83.

Shifting of the auxiliary bit projecting cam 86 is accomplished by a construction and operating mechanism similar to that of the main bit projecting means 57. Thus the auxiliary bit projecting cam is mounted in a radial slot 88 in the cam dial 60 and is manipulated by an operating arm 89 pivoted intermediate its ends on a pivot 90 in the mounting disc 70 for pivoting in a radial plane by actuation from the pattern drum 76 in the same manner as the operating arm 65 for the main bit projecting means 57. However, as the auxiliary bit projecting cam 86 is not intended to be manipulated at the same time as inwardly at the aforementioned auxiliary bit retracting controlled by the pattern drum 76.

As the bits 45 are not used to draw terry loops at the auxiliary feeding station 83 the bits need not be retracted until they approach the main feeding station 26, at which it may be desired that they be retracted. This retraction is accomplished by a leading cam surface 91 contoured inwardly at the aforementioned auxiliary bit retracting cam surface 82.

It should be noted that various combinations of bit projecting and bit retracting means can be incorporated in other types of multiple feed knitting machines to accomplish similar purposes in accordance with the present invention.

As mentioned heretofore, the fixed cam ring 81 having the bit retracting cam surfaces, 80, 82, and $1 contoured therein depends into the level of the bit butts 53 from the cam dial 60, and serves as a limit to the outer movement of the bits 45. When a bit breaks or is damaged and must be replaced it would normally be necessary to disassemble the knitting machine to remove the bit dial 35 from the cam ring 81. To avoid this the present invention provides a movable section 92 in the cam ring and a corresponding recess 93 in the cam dial 60, which permits the movable cam ring section 92 to be raised above the level of the bit butts 53 for easy removal of bits 45 without disassembly of any of the knitting machine elements.

The movable cam ring section 92 is manipulated by an attached operating rod 93 that extends upwardly through brackets 94 and 950m the stationary cylinder 33, and through an opening 96 in the stationary cylinder to the mounting plate 32, at which the rod has an out-turned end 97 manually engageable to raise the rod 93 and attached movable section 92. The movable section is normally held in closed position by a coil spring 98 biased between the lower bracket 94 and a positioning collar 99 pinned to the rod and biased by the spring 98 against the annular flange 61 at the bottom of the stationary cylinder 33. This construction is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.

The means for knitting terry loops 20 of the present invention includes unique means 100 for controlling the feeding of yarn to the needles. In the embodiment illustrated these yarn feed control means 100 are incorporated at the main feeding station 26 to control feeding of the terry yarn 44.

These yarn feeding control means 100' comprise yarn feeding means 101, yarn cutting and holding means 102, and yarn retaining means 103. The yarn feeding means 101 feeds the terry yarn 44 selectively to the needles 38 above the terry bits 45 for drawing terry loops over the bits by means of a terry yarn feed finger 104 oscillatable at the end of a rocker arm 105 between a feeding position, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, and a nonfeeding position arcuately displaced from the feeding position in an are extending away from the needle circle and on the side of the feeding position in the direction of needle rotation.

The rocker arm 105 is mounted intermediate its ends in a pivot block 106 pivotally mounted on an upstanding bracket 107 of the knitting machine 21. The outer end 108 of the rocker arm 105 is pivotally connected to a reciprocating connecting arm 109 that is reciprocated by connection to one arm 110 of a bell crank 111 that has its other arm 112 driven by a linkage 113 driven from the pattern drum 76, thereby to oscillate the feed finger 104 from one position to the other from a conventional control on the pattern drum.

The yarn cutting and holding means 102 is a conventional knife mechanism having the usual knife blade 114 and yarn holder 115. As these elements are conventional they are indicated only diagrammatically in the drawings (see FIG. 2). They function in the conventional way to catch the terry yarn 44 when the yarn is directed thereto by movement of the feed finger 104 to non-feeding position. The knife 114 then is actuated by conventional controls to cut the yarn while the end of the yarn leading to the terry finger is held by the yarn holder 115 until the yarn is again positioned for knitting.

In the embodiment illustrated, the yarn retaining means is incorporated in the usual latch guard 116 that has been modified in accordance with the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 10 the latch guard 116 is formed with a feed finger receiving aperture 117 in which the feed finger 104 seats in its feeding position. The aperture 117 is elongated in the plane of feed finger oscillation and in the direction of oscillation and at its end 118 adjacent the knife 114 it inclines down- Wardly toward the knife to an opening 119 facing downwardly. As a result of this aperture configuration a portion 120 of the latch guard 116 intersects the plane of the yarn so that as the feed finger 104 starts to move from feeding to non-feeding position the yarn Will be forced to slide along the latch guard portion 120 down the inclined end 118 of the aperture, and will thereby be immediately forced out of the knitting plane so that the needle and bit at which terry knitting is selectively stopped can be accurately and positively controlled.

To control the return of the terry yarn to feeding relation with the needles and bits, the outer surface 121 of the latch guard portion 120 is tapered downwardly and inwardly below the plane of the yarn and the inner surface 122 of the latch guard portion 120 also tapers inwardly. Also, the outer end 123 of the latch guard portion 120 tapers downwardly in the direction of the opening 119 at the end of aperture 117.

With this configuration of the latch guard portion 121 the yarn leading from the yarn holder 115 to the feed finger 104 is deflected by the latch guard portion outer surface 121 as the feed finger 1&4 approaches the aperture 117 and is retained thereby out of knitting engagement with the needles and bits. As the feed finger 104 advances farther toward feeding position the yarn tends to assume its natural position in a straight line between the feed finger 1G4 and yarn holder 115, which is inwardly of the latch guard portion 12%. As a result, the yarn slides farther down the latch guard portion outer surface 121 until the feed finger 104 is fully seated in feeding position, at which time the yarn will slide from the bottom 124 of the latch guard portion 12L into knitting engagement with the needles and bits. Thus the yarn feed is controlled positively and accurately to insure precise commencement of terry knitting at selected bits and needles, producing a fabric in which the walewise edges of terry portions are straight and true.

The configuration of the latch guard portion 120 is shown in FIGS. and 11, wherein it is seen that the bottom edge 124 of the latch guard portion 120 is above the top of the bits 45, which is indicated by the light line in FIG. 10. This prevents the yarn from inadvertently becoming entangled below the bits as might be the case if the latch guard portion 12% retained the yarn below the plane of the bits.

The above described latch guard modification does not disrupt the normal latch guiding functioning of the latch guard except for the interruption in the inner latch guard surface caused by the elongated aperture 117. To compensate for this the end 125 of the feed finger 104 is shaped to form a smooth continuation of the latch guiding surface and to fill completely the aperture except for the opening 119. In addition, the outer surface 121 of the latch guard portion 129 immediately adjacent the aperture 117 is contoured to permit the feeding finger Hi4 to move in and out, and the feed finger is shaped outwardly of the aperture at 126 to seat against this adjacent surface when the feed finger 104 is in feeding position.

It should be understood that, although the above described means for controlling yarn feed are particularly applicable to the knitting of terry loop portions, they can be utilized to advantage in other types of knitting where yarn is fed intermittently and is desired to accurately and positively control the point of feeding.

The above described means for knitting terry loops of the present invention, incorporated in a knitting machine as described, can be used to knit various types and multifariously patterned fabrics that include terry loops in some portion or portions thereof. A typical example of an article produced in this maner is half-hose having terry knit heel, sole, and toe portions and ribbed or patterned leg and foot top portions.

For the purpose of illustration the sequence of operation of a knitting machine to knit one half-hose in a sequential string of half-hose will now be disclosed.

Initially a makeup of two courses are circularly knit using the body yarn 40 and a draw thread. The needles are arranged with alternate needles on opposite cylinders to knit a 1 x 1 rib fabric with the body yarn. The draw thread is fed to only the lower cylinder needles. The main bit projecting means 57 and the auxiliary bit projecting means 85 are in their outer bit projecting positions as seen in FIG. 2 to. project the bits for use as a verge. The terry yarn feed finger 194 is in its nonfeeding position as shown in dot dash lines in FIG. 2.

The top is then circularly knit with the same bit projection and needle arrangement as in knitting the makeup, and with the terry yarn feed finger in non-feeding position. In this portion the auxiliary yarn 84 is fed at the auxiliary feeding station 83: as shown in solid. lines 1% in FIG. 2, and the body yarn 40 is fed at the main feeding station 26 for knitting 1 x 1 rib with a double feed.

Next the leg portion is circularly knit with either single or double feed and using any desired rib or link-and-link pattern. Even terry loops may be selectively knit in the leg to provide a desired pattern appearance. The main bit projecting cam is maintained in bit projecting position for verge action by the bits. The position or" the auxiliary bit projecting cam is not material except when yarn may be knit at the auxiliary feeding station, in which case the cam must be out to project bits for verge action.

The high heel portion is then circularly knit with a continuous feed of body yarn 40 and a selective feeding of terry yarn 44 for any or all portions of the circular extent. The non-terry port-ions may be knit in any desired pattern and the main bit projecting cam 58 is still out for terry knitting and for verge action.

Next the knitting machine switches to reciprocal knitting to knit the heel portion, which is terry throughout. The terry finger 104 moves to feeding position, the main bit projecting cam 53 remains out for projecting of bits 45 and the auxiliary bit projecting cam 85 is shifted to its inner inactive position so as not to project bits into the previously drawn terry loops reciprocating past the auxiliary feeding station 83. The main bit retracting surface and the auxiliary bit retracting surface 82 function to alternatively retract bits to release terry loops during the reciprocal knitting. This arrangement of elements is shown in FIG. 9.

The machine then switches back to circular knitting to knit the foot portion in the same manner as the previously described high heel port-ion.

Next a ring toe of circularly knit courses is knit in the same manner as the foot portion, but with the terry portion extending completely around the portion.

Next the machine again switches to reciprocal knitting to knit the toe portion in the same manner as the heel portion, except for the last two courses, which form the looper line of body yarn and terry yarn both knit plain on the bottom cylinder. This is accomplished by positioning the main bit projecting cam 58 at its inner inactive position so that the bits 45 remain retracted and the terry yarn is drawn directly onto sinkers 42 with the body yarn 40. The auxiliary bit projecting cam 86 may be in either position as the auxiliary feeding station 83 is inactive. The positions of the elements for this knitting is shown in FIG. 8.

The looper course is then knit in the same manner, but with the lower cylinder 23 raised to relieve the yarn tension for knitting a loose, easily discernible looper course.

Finally a clip portion is knit in the same manner as the looper line, following which the knitting cycle is repeated, beginning with the makeup to knit the next hose in the string.

The present invention has been described in detail above for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to be limited by this description or otherwise except as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops, bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and radially shiftable at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outeractive position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, and means fixed at said bit operating level for retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon.

2. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops, bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and shiftable radially at said level between. an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, means for shifting said bit projecting means at said bit operating level, said shifting means extending through said one cylinder for actuation at the outer end thereof whereby the bits are commonly controlled at the operating level through means actuated outwardly of the one cylinder, and means fixed at said bit operating level for retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon.

3. Means for knitting terry loops in a double cylinder knitting machine according to claim 2 and characterized further in that said bit projecting means comprises a cam sl-idableradially at said operating level between said inner inactive position and said outer active bit projecting position, and said means for shifting comprises an operating member having an inner end operably engaging said slidable cam, and an outer end extending through said one cylinder with said operating member pivoted intermediate its ends for pivoted movement in a radial plane whereby movement of said outer end is pivotally transmitted through said operating member into radial sliding movement of said cam for progressively changing the path of the bits.

for feeding a body yarn between said bits and the other 0 cylinder and for feeding a terry yarn with the bits between the terry yarn and the other cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and for knockingoif body yarn loops from needles on the one cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting of terry yarn without drawing terry loops, bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and radially shiftable at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, and means fixed at said bit operating level of retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon.

5. In a double cylinder knitting machine having co-axial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder for rotation therewith and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops, terry yarn feeding means selectively movable between a feeding position for feeding yarn for said drawing of terry loops and a non-feeding position, yarn cutting means spaced from said feeding means in the direction of cylinder rotation for engaging the terry yarn upon movement of said feeding means from feeding position to cut the yarn and hold the end leading to the feeding means until the feeding means returns to feeding position, yarn retaining means intermediate said yarn cutting means and the feeding position of said feeding means and engageable with the yarn extending between the cutting means and the feeding means to retain said yarn out of knitting engagement with the bits and needles until said feeding means are in feeding position, bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and radially shiftable at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, and means fixed at said bit operating level for retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon.

6. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder for rotation therewith for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder, terry yarn feeding means selectively movable between a feeding position for feeding yarn for said drawing of terry loops and a non-feeding position, yarn cutting and holding means spaced from said feeding means in the direction of cylinder rotation for engaging the terry yarn upon movement of said feeding means from feeding position to cut the yarn and hold the end leading to the feeding means until the feeding means returns to feeding position, additional yarn retaining means intermediate said yarn cutting and holding means and the feeding position of said feeding means and engageable with the yarn extending between the cutting and holding means and the feeding means to retain said yarn out of knitting engagement with the bits and needles until said feeding means is substantially fully infeeding position.

7. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder for rotation therewith for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder, terry yarn feeding means selectively movable between a feeding position for feeding yarn for said drawing of terry loops and a non-feeding position, yarn cutting means spaced from said feeding means in the direction of cylinder rotation for engaging the terry yarn upon movement of said feeding means from feeding position to cut the yarn and hold the end leading to the feeding means until the feeding means returns to feeding position, a latch guard member at said feeding position of the terry yarn feeding means, said latch guard member having an aperture through which said yarn feeding means feeds yarn to the bits and needlesfor drawing terry loops, said aperture extending toward said cutting means at an inclination thereto and terminating at an opening with a portion of the latch guard positioned between the aperture and said cutting means, which latch guard portion engages the yarn extending between said cutting means and said feeding means as the feeding means returns to feeding position and retains said yarn out of knitting engagement with the bits and needles until said feeding means are in feeding position.

8. In a circular knitting machine having needles. carried by a rotating cylinder and manipulated to draw loops of yarn, means for controlling the feed of yarn to the needles comprising yarn feeding means selectively movable between a feeding position for feeding yarn for drawing of loops and a non-feeding position, yarn cutting means spaced from said feeding means in the direction of cylinder rotation for engaging the yarn upon movement of said feeding means from feeding position to cut the yarn and hold the end leading to the feeding means until the feeding means returns to feeding posi tion, a latch guard member at said feeding position of the yarn feeding means, said latch guard member having an aperture through which said yarn feeding means feeds yarn to the needles for drawing loops, said aperture extending toward said cutting means at an inclination thereto and terminating at an opening with a portion of the latch guard positioned between the aperture and said cutting means, which latch guard portion engages the yarn extending between said cutting means and said feeding means as the feeding means returns to feeding position and retains said yarn out of knitting engagement with the needles until said feeding means are in feeding position.

9. Means for controlling the feed of yarn in a circular knitting machine according to claim 8 and characterized further in that said latch guard portion has an outer yarn guiding surface tapering inwardly from the level of the feeding position to the level of the opening of said aperture to guide the yarn toward said opening as the feeding means approaches feeding position, at which feeding position the yarn passes off said surface into knitting position.

10. Means for controlling the feed of yarn in a circular knitting machine according to claim 8 and characterized further in that said yarn feeding means has a feed finger with a surface shaped to occupy said aperture and cooperate with the inner surface of the latch guard to provide a continuous latch guard surface.

11. Means for controlling the feed of yarn in a circular knitting machine according to claim 10 and characterized further in that said feed finger is pivoted for movement arcuately with respect to said latch guard, and said latch guard aperture and said feed finger surface are shaped to accommodate such arcuate movement and provide engagement therebetween at the feeding position.

12. In a circular knitting machine having needles carried by a rotating cylinder and manipulated to draw loops of yarn, means for controlling the feed of yarn to the needles comprising yarn feeding means selectively movable between a feeding position for feeding yarn for drawing of loops and a non-feeding position, yarn cutting and holding means spaced from said feeding means in the direction of cylinder rotation for engaging the yarn upon movement of said feeding means from feeding position to cut the yarn and hold the end leading to the feeding means until the feeding means returns to feeding position, additional yarn retaining means intermediate said yarn cutting and holding means and the feeding position of said feeding means and engageable with the yarn extending between the cutting and holding means and the feeding means to retain said yarn out of knitting engagement with the needles until said feeding means is substantially fully in feeding position.

13. Means for controlling the feed of yarn to the needles in a circular knitting machine according to claim 12 and characterized further in that said yarn retaining means has a yarn guiding surface over which the yarn passes as the feeding means move to feeding position, said surface tapering toward the knitting cylinder away from the normal level of the yarn so that the yarn is out of knitting position until the feeding means reaches the feeding position and causes the yarn to slide off the tapered surface.

14. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders selectively operable for circular and reciprocal knitting, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops, bit projecting means disposed at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and radially shiftable at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radia ly for such projection, main bit retracting means fixed at said bit operating level and spaced from said hit projecting means in the direction of rotation of the cylinders for circular knitting, said main bit retracting means retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon during circular knitting and during one direction of reciprocal knitting, and auxiliary bit retracting means fixed at said bit operating level and spaced from said bit projecting means in the direction opposite to spacing of said main bit retracting means, said auxiliary bit retracting means retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon during the other direction of reciprocal knitting.

15. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders and a plurality of yarn feeding stations for feeding terry yarn and body yarn, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry yarn loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and for knocking-off loops of body yarn drawn by needles on the one cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting of terry yarn without drawing terry loops, a plurality of projecting means each disposed relative to a yarn feeding station at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and shiftable radially at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of each of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, a plurality of bit retracting means, each bit retracting means being fixed at said bit operating level between adjacent bit projecting means for retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops prior to engagement of the bits by the subsequent bit projecting means.

16. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders and a plurality of yarn feeding stations for feeding terry yarn and body yarn, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry yarn loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and for knocking-off loops of body yarn drawn by needles on said one cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting of terry yarn without drawing terry loops, a plurality of bit projecting means each disposed relative. to a yarn feeding station at the operating level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and each independently shiftable radially at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position at which said means cause projection ofsaid bits, the shifting of each of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, means for shifting each said bit projecting means at said bit operating level, said shifting means extending through said one cylinder for actuation at the outer end thereof whereby the bits are controlled at the operating level through means actuated outwardly of the one cylinder, a plurality of bit retracting means, each bit retracting means being fixed at said bit operating level between adjacent bit projecting means for retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops prior to engagement of the bits by the subsequent bit projecting means.

17. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders selectively operable for circular and reciprocal knitting and having a main feeding station for feeding terry yarn and body yarn and an auxiliary feeding station spaced circularly from the main feeding station, means for knitting terry loops comprising a series of bits operating in association with the inner end of one needle cylinder, said bits being movable circularly with said one needle cylinder and being shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position for having terry yarn loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and for knocking-off loops of body yarn drawn by needles on said one cylinder and a retracted inactive position for alternative knitting of terry yarn without drawing terry loops, main bit projecting means disposed relative to the main feeding station at the operating level of said inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder, auxiliary bit projecting means disposed relative to the auxiliary feeding station at the operating level ofsaid inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder, each bit projecting means being independently shiftable radially at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and an outer active position'at which said means cause projection of said bits, the shifting of each of said bit projecting means at said bit operating level acting to change progressively the path of said bits radially for such projection, main bit retracting means fixed at said bit operating level and spaced from said main bit projecting means in the direction of rotation of the cylinders for circular knitting at the main feed station, said main bit retracting means retracting projected bits to eifect withdrawal from' terry loops thereon during circular knitting and during one direction of reciprocal knitting at said main feed station, auxiliary bit retracting means fixed at said bit operating level and spaced from said main bit projecting means in the direction opposite to the spacing of said main bit retracting means, said auxiliary bit retracting means retracting projected bits to effect withdrawal from terry loops drawn thereon during the other direction of reciprocal knitting, the independent shifting of said main and auxiliary'bit projecting means permitting the auxiliary bit projecting means to be in inactive position while the main bit projecting means is in active position during reciprocal knitting at the main feed station and thereby avoid projection of bits into engagement with previously formed loops reciprocating past the auxiliary feeding station.

18. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxialneedle cylinders carrying needles for manipulation to draw loops, means for knitting terry loops comprising a bit dial associated with the inner end of one cylinder for rotation therewith and having slots extending radially inwardly from the periphery thereof, the periphery of said bit dial at said slots being spaced inwardly from the circle of needles carried by the cylinders, a series of bits positioned in said slots and shiftable therein between a projected position at which the bits project outwardly between needles for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted position at which the bits are spaced inwardly from the needles for withdrawal of the bits from the terry loops and for alternative knitting ofterry yarn without drawing terry loops, the inward spacing of both the retracted bits and the bit dial periphery from the needle circle providing a recess to allow drawn terry loops to move out of interference with the drawing of subsequent loops, bit projecting means disposed at the operating'level of said bits inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and shiftable radially at said level between an inner inactive position at which said bits remain at their retracted position and outer active position at which said means cause the projection of bits, and means at said operating level for retracting projected bits.

19. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders carrying needles for manipulation to draw loops, means for knitting terry-loops comprising a bit dial associated with the inner end of one cylinder for rotation therewith and extending therefrom toward the other cylinder, said bit dial having an outer portion adjacent said one cylinder and adjacent the circle of needles carried by the cylinders and a recessed portion spaced inwardly from the needle circle and extending from said outer portion toward the other cylinder, a series of bits carried in the recessed portion of said bit dial for rotation therewith and shiftable radially with respect thereto between a projected position at which the bits project outwardly between needles for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted position at which the bits are retracted within the periphery of the recessed portion of said bit dial for withdrawal of bits from the terry loops, said recessed portion and the retraction of bits therewithin providing a space inwardly of the needle circle for the drawn terry loops to move out of interference with the drawing of subsequent; terry loops.

20. In a double cylinder knitting machine having c0- axial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a bit dial associated with the inner end of one cylinder for rotation therewith, a series of bits carried by said bit dial for rotation therewith and radially shiftable between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted position for alternative knitting without drawing terry loops, said bits having operating butts extending from the bit dial, a fixed cam ring positioned outwardly of said bit butts and engageable therewith to limit outward movement of said bits, said cam ring having an inwardly contoured cam surface for shifting said bits to retracted position, bit projecting means disposed in the plane of said bit butts inwardly thereof within said one needle cylinder and shiftable radially in said plane between an inner inactive position at which hits remain retracted and an outer position at which said bit projecting means engage the bit butts and cause projection of the bits.

21. Means for knitting terry loops in a double cylinder knitting machine according to claim 20 and characterized further in that said bit dial has a movable section that can be moved out of the plane of the bit butts to permit removal of a bit from the bit dial.

22. In a double cylinder knitting machine having coaxial needle cylinders, means for knitting terry loops comprising a bit dial associated with the inner end of one cylinder for rotation therewith, a series of bits carried by said dial for rotation therewith and radially shiftable between a projected position for having terry loops drawn thereon by needles on the other cylinder and a retracted position for withdrawal of the bits from drawn terry loops, said bits having operating butts extending beyond the bit dial toward the outer end of said one cylinder, a fixed ring positioned radially outward of said bit butts and extending in the plane thereof for engagement therewith to limit outward movement of said bits, said ring having a movable section that can be moved out of the plane of the bit butts to permit removal of bits, means for projecting said bits for drawing of terry loops and 1? means for retracting said bits to Withdraw the bits from drawn loops.

23. Means for knitting terry loops in a double cylinder knitting machine according to claim 22 and characterized further in that said movable section is shiftable toward the outer end of said one cylinder to move out of the plane of the bit butts and shiftable in the opposite direction to return to bit engaging position.

24. Means for knitting terry loops in a double cylinder knitting machine according to claim 23 and characterized further in that said movable section is operated by an operating member extending through said one cylinder and actuated from the outer end thereof whereby bits may be removed by actuation at the outer end of the cylated members.

References Qited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Nebel 66-93 Miller et a1. 66-14 Fregeolle 66134 Toone 66134 Clarke 6614 Thurston et a1. 66--14 Clarke 66--14 Polach 66140 Farmer 6614 RUSSELL C. MADER, Primary Examiner.

inder without disassembly of the cylinder and associ- 15 DONALD W. PARKER, Examiner. 

1. IN A DOUBLE CYLINDER KNITTING MACHINE HAVING COAXIAL NEEDLE CYLINDERS, MEANS FOR KNITTING TERRY LOOPS COMPRISING A SERIES OF BITS OPERATING IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INNER END OF ONE NEEDLE CYLINDER, SAID BITS BEING MOVABLE CIRCULARLY WITH SAID ONE NEEDLE CYLINDER AND BEING SHIFTABLE RADIALLY WITH RESPECT THERETO BETWEEN A PROJECTED POSITION FOR HAVING TERRY LOOPS DRAWN THEREON BY NEEDLES ON THE OTHER CYLINDER AND RETRACTED INACTIVE POSITION FOR ALTERANTIVE KNITTING WITHOUT DRAWING TERRY LOOPS, BIT PROJECTING MEANS DISPOSED AT THE OPERATING LEVEL OF SAID BITS INWARDLY THEREOF WITHIN SAID ONE NEEDLE CYLINDER AND RADIALLY SHIFTABLE AT SAID LEVEL BETWEEN AN INNER INACTIVE POSITION AT WHICH SAID BITS REMAIN AT THEIR RETRACTED POSITION AND AN OUTER ACTIVE POSITION AT WHICH SAID MEANS CAUSE PROJECTION OF SAID BITS, THE SHIFTING OF SAID BIT PROJECTING MEANS AT SAID BIT OPERATING LEVEL ACTING TO CHANGE PROGRESSIVELY THE PATH OF SAID BITS RADIALLY FOR SUCH PROJECTION, AND MEANS FIXED AT SAID BIT OPERATING LEVEL FOR RETRACTING PROJECTING BITS TO EFFECT WITTHDRAWAL FROM TERRY LOOPS DRAWN THEREON. 